“Websense Security Labs' 2012 Threat Report said that while exploit kits and advanced methods to attack Windows systems and the software that reside on this platform exist against the large surface area, new rogue anti-virus dropper files are surfacing for Mac OS as it continues to increase in popularity…”

http://www.scmagazineuk.com/detection-of-mac-malware-to-expand-as-realities-of-mobile-malware-are-laid-bare/article/237392/

Wall Street Journal’s “Tech Europe” blog recently ran a story on scareware: a type of malware that frightens users into paying for bogus anti-virus software. Recently, researchers have noticed scareware rearing its ugly head in Firefox browsers and on Apple computers through a bad app call MacDefender.

This article details Websense breakdown of how the authors of scareware have becoming increasingly skilled at persuading people to buy the bogus or malicious programs.

“They’re forcing you to make an error of judgment” –Spencer Parker, Websense Group Product Manager

These developers implement three main mechanisms to force your error in judgment:

1)      A big flashing warning symbol to incite the user.

2)      Pressuring you to face a feeling of failure of self-regulation and doubt.

3)      Reassurance of authority and control – the user thinks he has a remedied the issue, by electing to perchance the software granting the reward of a sense of control.

Using these tactics, scareware is largely successful at pressuring victims into revealing their credit card information. If you find yourself in a position where it looks like scareware is on your computer, just remember not to panic. You can check whether or not the advertised anti-virus company is legitimate by plugging their url into aceinsight.com, which will let you know if it is a legitimate site.

Remember, Mac users, you are not immune. Learn more about Mac Malware (scareware generated specifically for Mac users) in a video here.